Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival to make welcome return in 2022

As with many events up and down the country, Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival was forced to cancel due to the pandemic, but organisers are aiming to make the 2022 festival the 'biggest and best' yet.

Organiser Middlewich Town Council is planning a jam-packed programme of family attractions and musical entertainment to take place between June 16 and June 19.

And it has already been confirmed The Waterboys, known for their song The Whole of the Moon, will be making an appearance.

The event will once again showcase Middlewich’s rich canal history with a colourful flotilla of narrowboats boats displaying their quirky names and paintwork while selling their crafts as part of a floating market.

They will be seen at three locations – on the Trent & Mersey Canal below Big Lock or above Kings Lock, and on the Shropshire Union Canal above Wardle.

Mike Scott of The Waterboys (Paul Mac Manus)

The main stage will return to Market Field and there will be a trail of musical entertainment at fringe festival pubs.

What's on at the Festival

Key attractions include:

• Market Field: Main stage with The Waterboys on Friday and further acts throughout the weekend
• Royal British Legion, Lewin Street: A dedicated folk stage with music, food, and drink
• Fountain Fields: Community stage with family entertainment including performances by local dance groups and schools
• Civic Way carpark: Games, stalls, souvenirs and foodie choices galore
• Wheelock Street: A vibrant market destination lined with crafts and delicious artisan foods
• Floating Market from Town Bridge to The Big Lock with narrowboats selling everything from cakes and crafts to ironwork and paintings

Cllr Jonathan Parry chairs the working group of councillors, residents and staff tasked with organising the festival.

He said: “In this special 30th anniversary year, and after an enforced break due to the pandemic, we hope to make this festival one to remember.

"We have made some changes, spreading the attractions across town, to showcase Middlewich and all it has to offer.

“Already there has been a fantastic response from boaters who would like to attend and local pubs keen to get involved. The programme is growing by the day. More will be announced soon.”

Cllr Parry added: “There was a good crowd of visitors in 2019 but we feel we can do more to shout-out about Middlewich and celebrate its musical roots and warm-hearted welcome.

Colourful narrowboats in Middlewich (Richard Breland)

“We were keen to encourage more local involvement and the response has been overwhelming. We have town residents on the working group and many locals offering to be festival volunteers.

“We want to take the festival back to its folk roots but also move with the times and are determined to make this year the biggest and best yet.”

For more information on the festival programme, its ticketed events and host of free attractions see social media or head to the website middlewichfabfestival.co.uk.